NEW: Bronco Nation Rules and Guidelines -- Discussion

some things that affect us all are inheritantly political (looking at you PA door laws) keeping things non partisan is a huge step toward keeping things civil...

For what its worth, I don't want any political talk on here. There are no shortage of places to argue about politics, I don't want the bronco boards to be one of them. Part of the reason I quit spending so much time here is that the rules seemed to get relaxed on this, and it was non-stop on some of the threads. Its boring, and repetitive and not particularly related to whatever technical topic we were chatting about. It always devolves into name-calling. Even with the ignore button, it seems to be on this board more than I think is helpful.

If you want our forum to be useful, a record for good info, and a welcoming place for new members, then I think you need to keep it focused on the topic at hand- broncos, and bronco related activities- and less on whatever the outrage of the day is out in the world. I can get that anywhere, but I cant get reliable bronco info many other places.

Just my $.02

raqball

I don't really spend much time on B6G as this place is much more friendly and tight nit which I prefer..

I was banned from the non-official Bronco reddit sub though. A moderator there posted incorrect info and I politely corrected the info. Apparently he got bent and kept responding with nonsense trying to excuse the bad info.. I repeatedly told him it was not a big deal and that everyone makes mistakes and to let it go.

He got mad and gave me a 3-day ban for 'trolling'.. I got a PM notification that I should click the provided link to discuss the ban so I did. After 1 message asking why I received the 3-day ban, he notified me that is was now permanent due to my 'continued trolling'.. LMAO!

Some people should not be in positions of power but luckily we do not have those problems here.

Haha, me too, raqball! I got banned on the FordBronco subreddit for making fun of an entirely different company's vehicle in response to someone who had already made fun of it. Similar experience to you, it was a temporary ban. When I inquired why, I was permanently banned instantly and muted from communicating with the moderator.

I also do not go on B6G anymore. It is not a friendly community at all. And the ban-hammer over there is so random. People are just one day banned out of nowhere. It's like the moderator gets bored, so the moderator bans 15+ people all at once to cure the boredom. (Unlike Evl, I am not and have never been banned from B6G, but I have the level of crazy ban-hammering that goes on to others.)

And then, finally, with regards to the discussion on politics: I think ban it altogether with exception (maybe) of Trail XYZ is closed in ABC state. If you love that trail or have always wanted to visit, please reach out to State Representative So-n-So, State Senator Yada-Yada, Congressperson DEF, and US Senator GHI to help. But, I'd limit it to something like that.

For example, I wholly disagree, MIGeezer, that Facebook (which I don't have anyway) is "better" by removing moderation. It was already rife with misinformation bots and algorithms, but at least there was a semblance of attempt at moderation (even though bots and targeted misinformation campaigns were always going to win out over a team of 20-or-so human beings). Now, it is just a cesspool. But, see that's a difference in politics, which has no place here.

I want to come here to see pictures and stories of raqball's and other's excursions. I want to see TK post what silicone spray he uses to help with winter hard top issues (even though I have a soft top; I have friends with hard tops). I want to help new Bronco people with window issues and direct them to plethora of YouTube videos to solve their problems. I like the news releases from BN and Ford that happen here. I like Tricky Dick's posts about his products and the things he has made. I like reading about the 72 weld Bronco from Unicorn and his journeys in the Rockies. I want to discuss paint colors and what people want to see on the 2026 Bronco. And, even though I disagree, I even like the conversations about V8s until it devolved into a conversation about CAFE standards and the like. I come here to escape the nonsense of the political divide that is this country, not hear more of it.

nrlucas

It's very simple. Unless Laura is a government official, or is enforcing a government mandate that prevents you from self expression, then your "free speech" as outlined in the 1st amendment is not being impinged. This is a private forum and the moderators can set any rules they want.

This. 👍

Same thing as no shirt no shoes, right to refuse service, etc... Look at it this way, this is her house, and you have to respect her wishes while you're here. As a former forum owner/operator, a tight leash on political talk is a must. I hate zero tolerance policies in general but, sometimes there is a place for them.

Irishdore

Haha, me too, raqball! I got banned on the FordBronco subreddit for making fun of an entirely different company's vehicle in response to someone who had already made fun of it. Similar experience to you, it was a temporary ban. When I inquired why, I was permanently banned instantly and muted from communicating with the moderator.

Sounds like it's a normal tactic that reddit subs moderators use..

Let me guess: full_stall_instigator or whatever that power hungry dudes username is? Even if they were to unban me, I'd not be back..

Meh, it is what it is and I have to remind myself, it's the internet.. 😂

raqball

I don't really spend much time on B6G as this place is much more friendly and tight nit which I prefer..

I was banned from the non-official Bronco reddit sub though. A moderator there posted incorrect info and I politely corrected the info. Apparently he got bent and kept responding with nonsense trying to excuse the bad info.. I repeatedly told him it was not a big deal and that everyone makes mistakes and to let it go.

He got mad and gave me a 3-day ban for 'trolling'.. I got a PM notification that I should click the provided link to discuss the ban so I did. After 1 message asking why I received the 3-day ban, he notified me that is was now permanent due to my 'continued trolling'.. LMAO!

Some people should not be in positions of power but luckily we do not have those problems here.

Reddit is whacked out. I was perm banned there as well.

Bad Rap

Reddit is whacked out. I was perm banned there as well.

I actually contacted reddit about that power hungry moderator and was told there was nothing they could do and they would not even investigate moderator misbehavior and abuse of power unless it was criminal.

They told me moderators of a sub can do as they please and they can ban someone for simply saying hello if they want. I was told if I didn't like it, I could make my own sub and moderate it how I want.. LOL

We have it very good here with fair, competent, and laid back moderators. reddit is a zoo..

raqball

I actually contacted reddit about that power hungry moderator and was told there was nothing they could do and they would not even investigate moderator misbehavior and abuse of power unless it was criminal.

They told me moderators of a sub can do as they please and they can ban someone for simply saying hello if they want. I was told if I didn't like it, I could make my own sub and moderate it how I want.. LOL

We have it very good here with fair, competent, and laid back moderators. reddit is a zoo..

I agree this is a very civil and mostly laid back forum to spend time in. As anywhere, we have a few (maybe less with multiple accounts) who like to stir the KoolAid in the name of “humor” but sometimes at the expense of others who may or may not be willing to defend themselves online.

I enjoy that for the most part this site stays on point, whether the thread is “Bronco specific” or just fun, and I really appreciate that most of the time the threads are kept PG-rated. There are numerous couples who haunt this site together so the choice of humor and images does become germaine to widespread enjoyment of the site…

Many thanks to the moderators.

raqball

Most forums have a no / limited politics policy. It's not a closing down of free speech issue in my opinion..


Who said we can't still have these discussions? I do think it's possible to talk about issues like trail closures, find out why it's an issue and try to find a way to resolve it.

The only thing the rule says - that I read, is this:

• "Political discussion should be avoided and can be deleted without notice."

It says they should be avoided and can be deleted.. It does not say they are banned or prohibited. I assume that if everyone is behaving, it's a Bronco issue, a trail closure issue etc that it would be allowed.

The moderators will have the ability, and discretion, to take action as needed on political talk. Without any type of rule in place it would be the wild, wild west of Democrats -vs- Republicans..

My .02

Still don't get how folks say they believe in open/free speech, but write it's OK to monitor the speech. If we had a discussion about the trails closing and I mentioned it was the lefts doing, I'm gonna get whacked and probably shut down. Even though it's correct.

My 2¢.

Do it right... hold the alt key and type 0162 on the numeric pad.

MIGeezer

Still don't get how folks say they believe in open/free speech, but write it's OK to monitor the speech. If we had a discussion about the trails closing and I mentioned it was the lefts doing, I'm gonna get whacked and probably shut down. Even though it's correct.

My 2¢.

Do it right... hold the alt key and type 0162 on the numeric pad.

I appreciate your thoughts.

Politics is not the purpose of this board, so the rules are written to not place emphasis on it.

If legislation is affecting our Bronco ownership/outdoor use, I would prefer we be helpful with the topic above all else, per the purpose of Bronco Nation: making owning a Bronco easier and more enjoyable. Instead of blasting a law or proposal or one party/all parties, let's present ways to be of use and share what we are doing: Write/call your local officials or Congress member. Volunteer and help educate non-off-roaders or 4x4 enthusiasts. All the better if we are all trying to do things now instead of when it's too late.

There are neutral ways to keep the focus on Bronco ownership and use without turning topics into an arguing match.

MIGeezer

Still don't get how folks say they believe in open/free speech, but write it's OK to monitor the speech. If we had a discussion about the trails closing and I mentioned it was the lefts doing, I'm gonna get whacked and probably shut down. Even though it's correct.

My 2¢.

Do it right... hold the alt key and type 0162 on the numeric pad.

And case in point, you cannot even behave in a manner that remotely excludes politics. And, you clearly include politics as some strangely erotic moment for yourself.

Given the rules, I would prefer you be banned as it adds zero value. It's like a small child going, "Cause," as an excuse. It's childish, and it is spite done with willful intent. It adds nothing to conversation or debate.

@Laura, Geezer clearly cannot have debate or conversation, even in this thread.

The bottom line is that we all need to be mindful and respectful of others. In regards, to people being kicked off of the site, I only know of one that comes to mind and they were actually threatening members. And please, please let’s try to not air what ever laundry we have directly over the boards. There have been plenty of times that I have had direct contact with members and were able to take care of what the issue was. If that doesn’t work just report it and it will be looked at and appropriate action will be taken. At the end of the day no matter what one’s political view might be, we all have the same agenda, right? Any site one may be on is a very impersonal thing. I find that when I get out to an event and meet the faces behind the names, the other stuff isn’t as important. And believe me, more than once, early on, I was pulled aside for my behavior.

TK1215

The bottom line is that we all need to be mindful and respectful of others. In regards, to people being kicked off of the site, I only know of one that comes to mind and they were actually threatening members. And please, please let’s try to not air what ever laundry we have directly over the boards. There have been plenty of times that I have had direct contact with members and were able to take care of what the issue was. If that doesn’t work just report it and it will be looked at and appropriate action will be taken. At the end of the day no matter what one’s political view might be, we all have the same agenda, right? Any site one may be on is a very impersonal thing. I find that when I get out to an event and meet the faces behind the names, the other stuff isn’t as important. And believe me, more than once, early on, I was pulled aside for my behavior.

There's one in every crowd.

Thanks for the continued discussion, everyone. The BN team wants the rules to be as open as possible while still being as clear as we can be, for both people posting and the moderators. I appreciate the feedback as I see if we need to clarify or amend these.

@TK1215 is right; we will handle issues and warnings through DMs, so please hit the Report button if something bothers you, and we will do our best to handle everything fairly. Tim's also right that at events, the true spirit of Bronco comes out and everyone gets along! I've slapped my own hand at how I've handled some things here, so I am thankful for all of you treating me and others with grace.

As I’ve said before, I believe the rules are fair.

That said, I have noticed some members posting things they know could be interpreted as inflammatory, but do it anyway to see if they can get away with it. Some members are just juvenile. Others are outright passive aggressive.

TK1215

The bottom line is that we all need to be mindful and respectful of others. In regards, to people being kicked off of the site, I only know of one that comes to mind and they were actually threatening members. And please, please let’s try to not air what ever laundry we have directly over the boards. There have been plenty of times that I have had direct contact with members and were able to take care of what the issue was. If that doesn’t work just report it and it will be looked at and appropriate action will be taken. At the end of the day no matter what one’s political view might be, we all have the same agenda, right? Any site one may be on is a very impersonal thing. I find that when I get out to an event and meet the faces behind the names, the other stuff isn’t as important. And believe me, more than once, early on, I was pulled aside for my behavior.

Agreed, Tim, @TK1215 and also agree that when physically present the community is together and amazing.

Unfortunately some use these types of sites to simply poke “fun” at others with no real interest in Broncos or community…

Again, thanks to those trying to keep us on track. Your efforts are appreciated.

Thanks for advising. I have zero issues with this.

Bluestreak57

Agreed, Tim, @TK1215 and also agree that when physically present the community is together and amazing.

Unfortunately some use these types of sites to simply poke “fun” at others with no real interest in Broncos or community…

Again, thanks to those trying to keep us on track. Your efforts are appreciated.

Political discussion often, and very quickly, lead to a massive food fight. The results are never good for those involved in the food fight:

• Causes excess workload on the Moderators
• Food fight attendees will probably either get temporarily or permanently thrown in the Bronco Nation Jail
• Causes non food fight participants to avoid BN discussions due to impending food fight
• Productive and friendly members might flee BN and seek political refugee status elsewhere

This is a Bronco site and IMO it should be free of political food fights. Trail closures etc can be discussed without calling the side who wants to close a trail names and / or tossing insults at one side of the debate.

I lean to the right ( I am however left handed :p ) but don't really claim a party. I just wish we could all find common ground, discuss issues like normal rational adults without all the political nonsense some want to inject into every conversation.

We all are here to learn about the Bronoco, share our Bronco stories and help others with questions etc. Political food fights leave a sour taste in the mouths of most who don't care, don't want it on a Bronco forum, and / or are just over all this political fighting that both sides are responsible for.

I also agree that when we meet in person none of this political mumbo jumbo matters. It's the quality of the person. I don't think I've ever asked a single person what their political beliefs are as it matters not to me..

I assume the bulk of the BN membership is in the US. We are not (D) or (R). First and foremost, we are all Americans who love our Broncos and want to discuss them in peace..



/rant and my .02

raqball

I think the politics rule is there so it can be enforced IF needed. I am pretty confident the moderators are not going to be deleting posts and banning members for civil political posts made in threads where it might be appropriate to mention politics like trail closures etc.

The way I see it, it simply gives moderators the option to enforce if it's needed should politics get out of hand. The rules do not say it's banned and / or prohibited..

The moderators here are very laid back, friendly and I highly doubt they'll be taking over the top action against members.

As I said before, political discussions are everywhere and most times they are not very civil and they quickly spiral out of control. Not saying that would happen here as this forum is loaded with calm and rational peeps but with politics, ya never know..

I guess I am just politically worn out and beat down and want places to visit where political vitriol is not allowed.

I couldn’t agree more.

Laura

I appreciate your thoughts.

Politics is not the purpose of this board, so the rules are written to not place emphasis on it.

If legislation is affecting our Bronco ownership/outdoor use, I would prefer we be helpful with the topic above all else, per the purpose of Bronco Nation: making owning a Bronco easier and more enjoyable. Instead of blasting a law or proposal or one party/all parties, let's present ways to be of use and share what we are doing: Write/call your local officials or Congress member. Volunteer and help educate non-off-roaders or 4x4 enthusiasts. All the better if we are all trying to do things now instead of when it's too late.

There are neutral ways to keep the focus on Bronco ownership and use without turning topics into an arguing match.

Exactly!